If you are a cat mom or dad, you know how loving, loyal, and cozy your fluffball is. Cats are loving creatures requiring our attention, love, and care. This is why cat parents working for long hours at the office may feel stressed about leaving their pet home alone. This is especially true if you have long working shifts over twelve hours. You may wonder if it is “ok” to leave your loving cat home alone for long periods. Our Atlanta cat sitters from Critter Sitters invite you to keep reading as we explain.
Should I Leave My Cat Alone at Home for 12 Hours?
For many cat moms and dads, leaving their loving fluffball home alone all day can be frustrating. It is possible that you – as a cat mom or dad – feel bad about leaving your furry buddy alone for twelve – or more – hours every day. While this may seem frustrating and challenging, the fact is cats are more self-reliable than many people think. In some cases, cats can be left at home for up to twenty-four hours without any problems.
Leaving your cat for too long may not be healthy them, especially when they are used to be around your company. This makes it a priority for most cat moms and dads to find a solution to their situation. One of the best ways to solve this particular situation is to hire a professional cat sitter. You cat sitter can stay your cat, play with them, feed, them, and make sure they are happy and safe while you are away.
How to Prepare Your Cat for When You Are Away for 12 Hours or More?
As we mentioned, cats are independent by nature. However, they are also creatures of habit. That being said, it is essential to prepare fluffball for when you are away from home for extended periods. Like with every other loving pet, you need to prepare your cat and train them to understand that you may be gone for a couple of hours Some of the things to consider when preparing your cat include the following:
Practice Leaving them Alone
Just as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Nothing can prepare your cat more than consistent training. It is essential to practice leaving your cat home alone. You can start by leaving them alone for two hours. After that, try to ramp up the time to three hours. Keep increasing the time you leave them alone little by little until they feel comfortable enough. This way, you can ensure they are ready to be away from you for twelve hours.
Take Notes on their Behavior
Taking notes on your cat’s behavior is essential to prepare them before you start leaving them home alone. It is critical to know your cat’s specific needs. For instance, a younger cat may require more attention and more of your time before leaving them alone. If you have a senior cat, it may be easier to understand their particular needs. You should take notes on your cat’s behavior because it can help you know what things may trigger an adverse reaction and the possible solution to that specific situation.
Provide Plenty of Food and Water
Providing your cat with plenty of food and water is essential. The last thing you want is to leave your cat hungry or thirsty at home – especially for extended periods. It is crucial to make sure your cat has enough food and water to keep them fueled and happy all day. Otherwise, your cat may become anxious or aggressive.
Get them Toys and Don’t Forget their Litter Box
If you don’t want your cat to stress out while you are away, it is essential to leave them enough toys to play with. The last thing you want is to return home to torn-up couches and scratched furniture. Additionally, make sure to keep a litter box in a place your cat can recognize. This way, they can go about their business without leaving a mess around your home.
Hire a Professional Sitter
As we mentioned, hiring a professional cat sitter can be one of the best ways to take care of your cat while you are away for extended periods. It is worth stressing the importance of having someone with your cat at all times. This can be especially necessary if you have a senior cat in need of special care, or a young cat in need of constant vigilance. A professional cat sitter can do many different things to cater to your cat’s needs. For instance, your cat sitter can feed your cat, make sure they have clean water, play with them, make sure their area is clean and their toys available, and many other things that can help your cat feel comfortable and happy.
Cat Sitting Company Serving Atlanta
If you are a cat owner who works for more than twelve hours or an emergency prevents you from getting home on time, we can help. Our Atlanta cat sitters at Critter Sitters can help you take care of your furry buddy when for any reason, you cannot. Thanks to our many decades of experience, we can help you take care of your cat and make sure they are happy and taken care of. We understand how important it is for your cat to feel there is always someone around them to give them all the love and protection they need. Our professional cat sitters will provide your loving fluffball with everything they need to keep them happy while your return home. To learn more about our excellent services, call Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
